The Peacemaker: Ronald Reagan, the Cold War, and the World on the Brink

I tend to use Doris Goodwin's incredible A Team of Rivals as a comparison for the books I read. This is in that class. It is a great overview of the 80's final struggle of ( to use an old term) the East vs. West or more commonly the Cold War and Ronald Reagan's part in ( the author's words) the negotiated surrender of The Soviet Union. It isn't a minute point by point multi volume view. Rather an overview of the last decade of the ( 1st) Cold War and Reagan's critical role in it. My review won't go into detail but suffice to say without RR the world would be a different place. But the author doesn't sugar coat his shortcomings. Lack of management of his top administration being top. I have been a Reagan fan since 1966 when as a 13 year old Massachusetts resident I wrote his campaign and got a specific response from someone on staff ( clearly they were looking into the future), but I am interested in real history. The 1 star review saying it doesn't give RR enough credit is incorrect

Very detailed and well written. Speaks to the many obstacles the President Reagan had to face. Internal and external distractions. After reading this I have so much more appreciation for what he did as president.

Fast shipping and the book was a great read!

Well written, perfectly paced, and buttressed by an impressive breadth of research. One standout feature is the recurring focus on the U.S. Japan relationship and Reagan's ability to balance the tension between military and economic priorities. One wonders what our posture would be today re: China without Reagan's insight into our strategic relationship with Japan and his attention to it.

A well written and informative account of Reagan's years in the Presidency. It gives details of Reagan's extensive interactions with his staff and world leaders. It provides insights of both positive and negative events during those eight years. A must read book for all interested in that time.

Enthralling read from a wonderful, intelligent and thoughtful author. Full of incredibly insightful anecdotes that harken back to a simpler time. One that really stood out - when Reagan made a speech to commemorate D-Day in the hear of his re-election campion, the author takes you to a non-descript Boston office where a woman is watching the speech and crying. It is then revealed that the woman is a Walter Mondale staffer. Powerful stuff that speaks to the true centrist appeal of Raegan and the value of a uniting force, something that we have not had since! Great book.

I missed much of this time while I was in the Navy. I on!y new the after the fact media versions of what happened. They were not factual. Now I know what really happened and appreciate Mr. Reagan more than ever!!!

I’m not even a history buff but I’m really enjoying this book. It’s very readable, and there’s so much new information that’s never been available to the public before. I’m gaining a feel for Reagan’s personality and his strength. Most of all I’m understanding what an important part of history the Cold War was and how much today’s leaders can learn from President Reagan’s leadership. The amount of documentation is very impressive.